LOS ANGELES – USC defensive coordinator Nick Holt was officially hired by Washington on Monday for an increase in duties, if not pay, as he sought more power in his new job.

Holt, 46, was named assistant head coach and defensive coordinator by Washington coach Steve Sarkisian, who renewed his pursuit of his former USC colleague last week after being rebuffed a month ago.

“This is very exciting for Husky football,” Sarkisian said in a statement. “I don’t think we could have found a more qualified or successful defensive coordinator anywhere in the country.”

Sources said Holt accepted the job because he sought total control over the defense. In USC’s current structure, Trojans coach Pete Carroll called the defensive plays during games even though he formally relinquished the defensive coordinator’s title following the BCS title game loss to Texas in 2006.

Holt was hired as USC’s first defensive coordinator in the Carroll era, although the job duties were limited.

Holt was scheduled to be introduced at a press conference Monday afternoon but it was postponed until today so that some contract details could be finalized.

Ironically, Holt was supposed to accompany Carroll to Arizona on Monday to visit defensive end Devin Kennard, ranked the sixth-best player in the nation by Rivals.com. Kennard is believed to favor USC.

Carroll could not be reached for comment Monday.

Who replaces Holt will be the next question for USC. Secondary coach Rocky Seto is the logical choice because he has the most experience with preparing game plans and was recently promoted to assistant head coach of the defense when he turned down the Washington defensive coordinator’s position.

However, Carroll’s always been enamored with rewarding linebackers coach Ken Norton despite his lack of experience compared to Seto.

“I have no doubt (Norton) will become a defensive coordinator,” Carroll said in a 2006 interview.